Research 9: The Short Film

     
After watching the 7 minute sort film 9 it was very apparent to me the craftsmanship of the short and the depth the producer likely went into. However, with no previous knowledge of the film I was skeptical at first. The short does not include any opening sequence or background information, and instead jumps right into the film. The opening 20 second of the film appears to be the character 9, in an unknown world, alone by himself, matched with a much larger "predator" in this portion. This left portrayed tone of loneliness and gloom is very apparent through the authors choice of dark lighting, a mysterious sound track, and props such as the "baby doll" in the background. When the flashback transition took place, things began to look a lot more optimistic. Now 9 could be seen with another character, who appeared to be more "worn down" than him, which to me made it seem as if the character has likely been around longer. Despite this reality, this perceived friendship is short-lived and the audience learns the characters are being hunted by the "predator" in the opening sequence. The predators size and ominous tone, made it very well apparent that the outcome for 9 and his friend would likely not be ideal. And not my surprise, the 9's friend sacrifices  himself to give 9 enough time to escape the wrath of the predator. I was amazed by how well produced the mute and animated film portrayed emotion, as I was genuinely upset when 9's friend died. However, I was intrigued by how 9 was going to survive the ordeal, and as such, I kept watching.

    Eventually, the flashback appeared to end, and we were brought back to the ominous and lonely time that was previewed in the early stages of the short. It was not a surprise when green lights started blinking signaling the predators presence. The predator the last time had made quick work of his friend, and with his perceived youthfulness my hopes were not optimistic for 9. However, as the plot thickened a strategy seemed to arise. Slowly, 9 led the predator down the cave, which at first seemed like a restriction of options for the protagonist and would likely end in 9's demise. But then, a trap was played out, in which the predator actually attacked a decoy, and 9 jumped him from above. He managed to steal an additional green blinking light, but once again I was not optimistic as 9 had failed to due any "real damage" with trap. Eventually, 9 went down the cave far enough where he reached a ravine, with a plank like structure holding out over it. 9 was standing on the edge of this "plank" and it felt as if all hope was lost. But then, to my surprise, 9 had come prepared and once again pulled a trap on the predator in which the predator fell down the ravine and was further impaled by the plank structure.  At the end of the short, what appeared to be ghosts of all the previous victims of the predator, including 9's friend, appeared as green ghosts. It was very heart warming to know that 9 was now safe from the predator, and had some resemblance of his friend. Overall the production of the short was amazing, as it drove my emotions up and down like a roller-coaster, and I am excited to watch the feature film next.